Cooperative Extension - University of Wisconsin-Extension 249 Extension Building, 432 North Lake Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53706 Phone (608) 263-1945 - FAX (608) 262-9462 - TDD (800) 947-3529

Human Resources Development

Working Title:  Monroe County 4-H Youth Development Agent (100%)

Official Title:  Instructor or Assistant Professor (faculty rank to be determined for individual hired with a Master's degree) or Extension Associate (for individual hired with a Bachelor's degree)

Geographic Areas Served:  Primarily Monroe County and occasionally extending beyond county boundaries for specific commitments and team programming.

Office Location:  Monroe County University of Wisconsin-Extension Office, Sparta, Wisconsin  14345 County Highway B, Room 1, Sparta, Wisconsin 54656-0309

Type of Appointment:

With a Master's degree:  This is a probationary tenure-track faculty appointment within the University of Wisconsin-Extension.  During the probationary period, faculty members may receive renewed probationary appointments.  At the end of the period, faculty members may be promoted to the ranks of tenured faculty.  Standards of excellence and scholarship are expected to be met throughout a faculty member's career.  

With a Bachelor's degree:  This position is a fixed-term academic staff appointment in the University of Wisconsin-Extension's division of Cooperative Extension.  Fixed-term academic staff appointments are made on an annual basis, with renewal possible. Standards of excellence and scholarship are expected to be met throughout an academic staff member's career.  An individual hired with a Bachelor's degree as an Extension Associate must complete an approved Master's degree within five years of the initial appointment.  The academic staff member, in consultation with the Associate Program Director and District Director, will develop a graduate education plan within the first year of employment subject to approval by the academic department.  The academic staff member must make ongoing progress in the approved Master's program to qualify for annual appointment renewals. Upon completion of the approved Master's degree program, the individual is eligible to apply for admittance into the academic department.  Upon admittance, the individual's appointment will convert to probationary faculty as described by the faculty section of the original position description.  

Position Purpose: 

As a faculty or academic staff member of the University of Wisconsin-Extension, employed with Monroe County, the 4-H Youth Development Agent is a leader in accessing and applying research findings in the social, human and behavioral sciences.  The Agent organizes community resources in support of the positive development of youth, especially in the areas of leadership, interpersonal and citizenship skills.  Current 4H-YD programming in Monroe County focuses on 4-H community club programming, leadership development for older youth, partnering with community agencies including libraries, schools and the Hispanic Resource Center, providing out of school/after school learning experiences and providing youth and family programs /4-H community clubs in partnership with Fort McCoy. 

4-H Youth Development programming in Wisconsin has a dual focus - providing educational programs for youth, and youth development leadership for communities.  The 4-H community club is Extension's fundamental model for youth programming that is offered in counties throughout Wisconsin.  Other models of direct programming provide program access to audiences unaware of or unable to access 4-H community clubs.  In addition to these direct programs, 4-H Youth Development personnel play a significant role as community leaders in youth development.

Primary Duties/Essential Job Functions:

• Provide educational leadership by planning, implementing and evaluating culturally competent educational programs directed at community needs on issues relating to the purpose of the position
• Regularly teach and deliver 4-H Youth Development community-based educational programs through a wide variety of teaching methods at sites throughout the geographic area served
• Use appropriate means to critically review and integrate related research into community-based educational programs
• Regularly prepare educational materials, program evaluations and reports using appropriate technology
• Plan and implement appropriate impact evaluations and reports to improve and document program effectiveness
• Write, publish and share articles, curricula and program designs that contribute to program understanding and support the scholarly practices of relevant professions and academic disciplines
• Communicate Extension's value by developing effective relationships and providing relevant program outcome information to public officials, legislators, the general public and other interested parties
• Identify, recruit and develop the volunteer leadership necessary to carry out the position's program of work
• Provide professional guidance and counsel to the 4-H club program and to other program-related groups and organizations
• Build and strengthen community coalitions and partnerships while collaborating with a diverse network of community-based agencies, educational institutions, groups, and individuals to address local issues through educational programming
• Make all reasonable effort to reach a diverse audience, to ensure access to programs and facilities, and to provide services that do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, disability, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, identity as a veteran, disabled veteran, Vietnam veteran or any other military service, arrest record or non-program related conviction record.

Other Position Expectations and Responsibilities:

• Develop and use an appropriate system for reporting and evaluating programs to the Monroe County Agriculture and Extension committee and Board of Supervisors, the University of Wisconsin-Extension and to clients, colleagues and other Extension collaborators as needed
• Develop plans of work based on ongoing assessment of community needs
• Develop and follow a personal plan for professional development consistent with personal and organizational goals
• Build and maintain trust-based relationships in support of cooperative and respectful work environments
• Be responsive to evolving position and organizational needs; perform additional duties, as needed

Working Conditions: 

• Make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions
• Assume weekly travel throughout the county and occasional travel within the district and state
• Work evenings on a regular basis and occasionally on weekends, as needed to meet local needs

Key Relationships:

This position is accountable to the Western District Director (hiring authority), State Program Director for 4-H Youth Development, 4-H Youth Development Program Area Liaison, Monroe County Department Head, and the Monroe County Agriculture and Extension committee

Academic Relationships (for Master's degree candidates only):  

This is a faculty position in the UW-Extension Academic Department of Youth Development and, subject to faculty regulations, is appointed to the University of Wisconsin System rank and tenure track.  A tenured appointment must be obtained by the end of the sixth year of full-time employment to retain the position, in accordance with UW-Extension faculty policies and procedures. 

Qualifications: 

To be considered eligible for the Monroe County 4-H Youth Development Agent as a faculty member, you must meet all of the following minimum qualifications:

• Master's or other graduate degree with course work in educational principles, curriculum development, program evaluation and/or the cognitive and social development of youth and adults
• Content knowledge in the professional field of youth development
• Demonstrated skill in planning, implementing or teaching educational programs
• Knowledge and skills to effectively interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity

To be considered eligible for the Monroe County 4-H Youth Development Agent as an academic staff member position, you must meet all of the following minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with significant progress toward a Master's degree in an approved program , with coursework in curriculum development, program evaluation and/or cognitive and social development of youth and adults; individuals hired with a Bachelor's degree must complete an approved Master's degree within five years of the initial appointment to continue employment in the position
• A minimum of three years of professionally related experience, especially in youth related outreach education
• Demonstrated skill in planning, implementing or teaching educational programs
• Knowledge and skills to effectively interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity

Additional knowledge, skills and abilities desired (for both faculty and academic staff positions):

• Demonstrated success planning, implementing and evaluating learning experiences for youth and adults in community-based, non-formal educational settings that reach, and are accessible to, a wide range of audiences
• Strong group and educational facilitation skills
• Knowledge of adult learning principles
• Demonstrated ability to critically review and utilize research findings
• Experience developing partnerships with local governments and community-based organizations
• Skillful in building community-based community coalitions for the purpose of taking positive action
• Demonstrated success in managing volunteers, preferably in a youth-focused organization
• Skillful in building and maintaining professional work relationships and networks
• Volunteer or paid experience working with people from culturally diverse groups
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills in a team setting; ability to effectively analyze and manage conflicts
• Ability to communicate ideas effectively orally, in writing and through educational technology
• Ability to use outcome data for program improvement and accountability
• Ability to promote Cooperative Extension and its programs through mass media and public relations skills
• Ability to write grants that pool or leverage public and private funds in support of Extension's mission; experience in budget development and management
• Skillful in the use of educational software and current instructional technologies
• Demonstrated understanding of Extension's mission; knowledge of land grant colleges and universities

Organizational Competencies:

Individuals who demonstrate increasing capacity in the following organizational competencies, as indicated by the examples listed below, are likely to experience higher levels of success within their Cooperative Extension positions:

• Leadership
  Inspires respect and trust; works to clarify expectations and accepts feedback; shows personal responsibility for finding solutions; follows through on commitments; adapts to change or unexpected events in the work environment; manages competing demands for time while maintaining life-work balance; practices strategic, shared and ethical decision-making; understands how funding decisions are made; works to align one's work with Cooperative Extension's mission, vision and values; coaches others; is willing and motivated to learn
• Relationship-building
  Gives appropriate recognition to others; approaches others in a tactful and diplomatic manner; works to understand group and team dynamics; uses awareness of one's emotions and those of others to adapt behavior and to manage interactions successfully; reacts well under pressure; analyzes conflict situations and chooses appropriate Extension roles; works in ways that support mutually beneficial partnerships; maintains confidentiality; is responsive
• Inclusion
  Demonstrates an active, intentional and ongoing engagement with diversity- in people, curriculums, and communities; recognizes, understands and appreciates the culturally different ways in which others express themselves; treats others with dignity, respect and consideration; works to create work environments that are experienced as safe by all; is curious about and open to others' ideas
• Communication
  Listens and seeks clarification; speaks clearly; uses public relations skills to strengthen others' understanding of Extension's value; writes clearly and informatively; varies writing and speaking style to fit the purpose of the communication; adapts communications to fit cultural contexts and circumstances; demonstrates effective communication technology skills; demonstrates effective presentation skills

Position Description Clarification:

This position description represents a general outline of job duties, expectations, responsibilities and qualifications.  It is not intended to be comprehensive in nature.  In addition, this position is likely to evolve over time and therefore this position description may not fully reflect the precise nature of the position at a future point in time. 

Position Benefits:

Excellent State of Wisconsin benefits, including retirement, health insurance, vacation, sick leave, and other insurances. 

Equal Opportunity:

As an affirmative action employer, UW-Extension provides equal opportunity in programs and employment; and is strongly committed to maintaining a climate supportive of respect for differences and equality of opportunity. UW-Extension does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, disability, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, arrest record or non-program related conviction record; or identity as a veteran, disabled veteran, Vietnam veteran or any other military service.  We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.   

Materials will be made available in alternative format upon request.  Please call 711 if you are hearing or sight impaired and need assistance.   Direct inquiries concerning equal opportunity to:  UWEX Workforce Equity and Diversity; Room 501; 432 N. Lake Street; Madison, WI  53706.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE:

To receive full consideration, application materials must be received by November 17, 2009 and include all of the following:

• Cover letter (up to two pages) that summarizes how you meet the minimum qualifications of this position.  Please prepare a paragraph for each of the minimum qualifications and include formal education, training, professional work history, volunteer work, research, and any related life experiences in your response.  Please note that your response will be evaluated for content and written communication skills. 
• Professional resume, including related education, professional work history and volunteer experience.
• Contact information for three (3) professional work references, including at least one person who has been your immediate supervisor.  For each reference, please indicate the nature of your professional relationship and include the person's title, e-mail address and telephone number.
• Final college transcripts for each of your degrees. Unofficial copies are acceptable at this point in the process. Official transcripts are required upon hire.
• Applicant Survey Form 

Application materials that do not comply with these instructions are incomplete and will not be considered.  Applications will continue to be accepted until the screening process is complete. 

Submit application materials to Cooperative Extension Human Resources at:

   a) ces.jobs@uwex.edu (preferred method); OR

   b) 432 N. Lake Street, Room 249; Madison, WI  53706

Optional Confidentiality Form.  Under Wisconsin Statutes, if asked, UW-Extension is required to provide a list of all nominees and applicants who have not requested in writing that their identities remain confidential.  The identities of all finalists must be released upon request.

Please note that a criminal records review will be conducted prior to employment.  In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, convictions and pending charges will be considered only as they relate to this position. 

POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENT (100%) - MONROE COUNTY
Posted: 10/16/09
Refer to: PVL# C10016
REVIEW BEGINS: 11/17/09